Health Canada has published new regulations to grant more prescribing authority to nurse practitioners (NPs), midwives and podiatrists. NPs are registered nurses with additional education, advanced nursing experience, and who work collaboratively with other health care providers. Current legislation and regulation authorize NPs to independently diagnose and treat health conditions, but with limited prescription authority. The new regulations allow NPs across Canada (except Yukon) to prescribe controlled substances under the federal Controlled Drug and Substances Act. This will help to provide more timely and comprehensive care to patients.
